Extra armed police were called into Wairoa yesterday as gang members gathered outside the town's courthouse.
It followed what police say was a minor altercation between two people linked with opposing factions in the area.
The incident led to the arrest of one person on a charge of disorderly behaviour, and extra police were called as a precaution, said Detective Sergeant Danny Kirk, of Wairoa.
Police Gisborne Area relieving officer-in-charge Inspector Chris Wallace confirmed Gisborne Armed Offenders Squad members were in Wairoa.
The incident happened during the town's main court day, which included an appearance by two young men from Raupunga. Neither is a gang member.
